December 31, 2025
Yobe, Nigeria, starts vaccination of cattle against contagious bovine pleuropneumonia
The State Ministry of Livestock Development in Yobe, Nigeria, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, has commenced a vaccination campaign against contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), with 2,500 cattle targeted across the state.
The exercise was officially flagged off at the Kasaisa–Gujba Bypass in Damaturu by the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Mukhtar Idi Maiha, who was represented by the Director of Animal Health and Reproductive Services, Dr. Alao Mitchell.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Dr. Mitchell described the campaign as a proactive and strategic effort to protect rural livelihoods and reinforce Nigeria's animal health system. He noted that transboundary animal diseases such as CBPP continue to threaten sustainable livestock development, pastoral communities, and market access for cattle producers.
According to Dr. Mitchell, the initiative is in line with the Nigerian federal government's Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to improve productivity, reduce disease prevalence, and enhance economic growth at the community level. He stressed the importance of strict compliance with vaccination guidelines to ensure the success of the programme.
In his welcome remarks, the Director of Veterinary Services in Yobe State, Dr. Usman Ali Umar praised Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for championing the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, describing it as a major step toward improving livestock health, productivity, and national food security.
He assured the visiting federal team of the state's continued cooperation and commitment to future vaccination campaigns to safeguard the cattle population.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Idriss Yusuf Madaki, represented by the Pilot Programme Manager, Dr. Bulama Yaro Geidam, underscored the importance of the exercise.
He revealed that Yobe State has an estimated cattle population exceeding 10 million, noting that the 2,500 cattle covered in the current campaign represent only a small portion of the overall need.
- Punch